Car Hire at Naples Airport

One of the oldest cities in the World, Naples is the capital of Italy’s Southern region of Campania. What you get when visiting Naples is a quintessentially Italian experience; you have a city full of proud locals fiercely passionate about football and good coffee, and a climate that is very warm and pleasant. With temperatures averaging at highs of 13 degrees (Celsius) at their lowest in January, and at their highest at around the 30 degree mark in August, you are bound to be able to bask under the pleasant Southern Italian sun no matter when you visit in the year.

Historically and geographically, Naples is probably best known for its volcano Mount Vesuvius which famously erupted and destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79. A city rich in culture and history, Naples is also home to one of the oldest universities in the World (University of Naples Frederico II) as well as a wealth of museums and literally hundreds of churches, including the cathedral ‘Cattedrale di San Gennaro’. To top it all off, Naples historic centre is even a Unesco World Heritage Site

Naples is served by Naples International Airport in the Northern part of the city in the Capodichino region. Naples International Airport is a relatively small airport, with 6.7 million passengers passing through in 2016 and is roughly a 15-20-minute drive away from the heart of the city. When driving in Naples, be advised that there are various toll roads, prevalent in most major European cities.

Bristling with life and vigour, Naples has to be experienced to be believed, whether exploring the afore-mentioned historical wonders or munching on a fresh calzone, there is plenty to see and do in Naples whether on your own, with family, or just in town for night for business or the all-important football (tell the locals that you love Diego Maradona, trust us).

Hotels
There are various types of accommodation in Naples, catered to all budgets and tastes. So no matter whether you are flying solo, with your family, or just stopping by, there’ll be something to suit your tastes.

If you want to live ‘la dolce vita’ and indulge in your own Southern Italian fantasy, then you might want to check out Hotel Piazza Bellini. Boasting stunning views of Naples and the surrounding region, and a beautiful quintessentially Italian courtyard, Hotel Piazza Bellini has subtle elegance and comfort, without the wallet bursting prices of five star hotels in the region. Hotel Piazza Bellini is a 10-minute drive from the heart of Naples, situated a stones throw away from the opulent Chiesa de San Domenico Maggiore church.

If budget is no problem however, then check into the Grand Hotel Vesuvio. Located in the Southern part of Naples, the Grand Hotel Vesuvio overlooks the water, with beautiful beachfront mere seconds away, with the heart of Naples 25-minutes away by car. La Ciliegina Lifestyle Hotel offers a slightly less opulent experience, but still excellent. Boasting a roof terrace and hot tub, as well as free parking, La Ciliegina Lifestyle Hotel is a 25-minute drive from the centre of Naples.

A little further out of town is the Hotel Cristina. Located near to the Naples Zoo and the Stadio San Paolo, Hotel Cristina is modern, comfortable and, most importantly, a highly regarded hotel offering free parking for all guests. Despite its location in West Naples, Hotel Cristina is only a 25-minute drive from the heart of the city.

If you need to stay in close proximity to Naples International Airport, then Luxor Hotel is the place for you. Your atypical budget hotel and located a 10-minute drive from the terminals, Luxor Hotel features free parking, free wifi, and most importantly, comfortable beds.

Food and Drink
Italy is historically a food lovers Nirvana, and Naples is no different. Home to several Michelin Star recipients (as well as one dual star recipient) but also a great region for authentic honest wallet friendly fayre, we are sure there’ll be that one dish you’ll find that’ll make you drift off into deep thought long after it has been enjoyed.

If you are a serious food fanatic then you will probably already be aware of Taverna Estia. The proud owner of two Michelin Stars it is the unsurprisingly the highest regarded restaurant in all of Naples. Helmed by Chef Francesco Sposito, Taverna Estia takes diners on a historical taste tour of Italy, with contemporary twists on old favourites. Taverna Estia also has a comprehensive coffee menu, proudly boasting of its selections from around the World, as well as the classic Neapolitan style.

However not everyone is into super fancy fine dining, and if this includes you then you’re in luck as Naples has plenty of incredible wallet-friendly eateries. Pizza lovers especially will want to try out Antica Pizza Fritta Da Zia Esterina Sorbillo, who specialise in traditional Italian pizza and the eyebrow raising fried pizza. Popular with locals as well as tourists, be prepared to queue during peak hours, but the ham infused pizza frita is worth the wait. Antica Pizza Fritta Da Zia Esterina Sorbillo is just outside Quartieri Spagnoli, a 15-minute drive from the heart of Naples.

If you have a sweet tooth then Patisserie Capparelli is the place for you. Offering a vast array of freshly baked cakes and pastries, as well as fresh ice cream and coffee to die for. Talking of coffee, Naples is considered the birthplace of espresso, and the city still produces some of the finest shots of dark roasted bliss on Earth. Top of the list is the historic Caffè Gambrinus, which has been producing expertly roasted coffee since 1860. Caffè Gambrinus is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Naples, near to Palazzo Reale.

Shopping
Let’s get this one out of the way; if visiting Naples for the first time you owe it to yourself to make a trip to the amazing Galleria Umberto I in the historic centre of Naples. Based upon the equally impressive Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II in Milan, Galleria Umberto I is a treat for shoppers and non-shoppers alike. A 15-minute drive from the heart of the city, shoppers will find the likes of Timberland and Lacoste alongside high-end local boutiques selling the likes of Dolce and Gabbana, Michael Kors etc.

Around the corner from Galleria Umberto I is Via Toledo; one of the longest shopping streets in the city. On via Toledo you will find established high-street chains such as H&M and Bershka, alongside independent retailers like Sneakers 66 and Napolimania for all your tourist trinkets and keepsakes. For the sports fans out there, the SSC Napoli club store (Calcio Napoli) is a 5-minute drive from the heart of Naples, stocking everything from replica kits and scarves to paraphernalia of all your favourite players.

If you savour the ‘real experiences’ of a city, then make sure to visit Via San Gregorio Armeno. Small storefronts line the narrow streets, all bursting from the seams with handmade statues and trinkets, while other establishments house countless antiques and hard-wearing crafted items. If visiting in December then Via San Gregorio Armeno is not to be missed, transforming into ‘Christmas Alley’ and dubbed by some as ‘the World headquarters of the nativity’. Every Christmas related curio and trinket can be found here no matter how simple or grand. Via San Gregorio Armeno is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Naples.

Another slice of ‘authentic’ Naples can be found in La Pignasecca street market. Located just North of Quartieri Spagnoli, La Pingnasecca is only open from 8am – 1pm and offers stall after stall of fresh food, fish and produce from some of Naples’ top grocers and fishmongers.

Culture & Attractions
While in Naples, make sure you don’t pass up the opportunity to go and see Mount Vesuvius and the infamous destroyed cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Gaze in wonder and morbid curiosity as you witness first-hand the destructive nature that Earth is capable of. Pompeii and Herculaneum are both a 30-minute drive from the heart of Naples, although driving from one to the other will also take around 30 minutes. We suggest seeing Pompeii first, then checking out Herculaneum on your way back into the city.

Naples history isn’t all gloom and destruction however, as it is also home to the Palazzo Reale de Napoli and the neighbouring Castel Nuovo. Palazzo Reale is a former royal palace from the 17th century. Visitors are invited to gaze upon its gallery of statues and art, as well as walk up the breath-taking main staircase. Castel Nuovo is literally a two-minute drive from the palace, and is one of the main landmarks in the whole of Naples. Standing guard over the Gulf of Naples since the 13th century, Castel Nuovo is an imposing and awe-inspiring sight, and is remarkably preserved considering its age. Both the Palazzo and the Castel are a 20-minute drive from the heart of the city.

If you fancy a decent drive out of the city, the stunning Amalfi Coast is an hour and a half drive away. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Amalfi Coast is a superb example of dramatic Mediterranean design and architecture, nestled into the domineering Lattari Mountain range. Soak up the sun and the fresh air, as you traipse around the stunning vistas and intricate streets.

Sports fans will no doubt be familiar with Naples most famous sporting institution; the mighty S.S.C. Napoli soccer team. Playing in Italy’s Serie A, Napoli have been home to some of the biggest names in football history, from Gianfranco Zola and Fabio Cannavaro, to the legendary Diego Maradona – regarded by many in the city as a minor deity! Napoli play in the Stadio San Paolo, a 40-minute drive from the centre of Naples, although bear in mind traffic on match days.